Help with direction on sheet metal replacement after trans swap

[guidoverduci]

I’m going to be doing a trans swap, but eventually I have some sheet metal I need to replace. To me, most seems salvageable except there’s a decent sized gap between drivers floor pan and lower firewall panel. Definitely the worst spot and the PO filled it with something that just peels right out. My question… What’s the best course of action here after trans replacement. I’d like to get a solid tunnel piece, since there were access panels cut out, and I’d like to fix that gap. This isn’t a show rig, but I definitely plan on treating and painting to help stop the rust from getting worse.

Do I replace with the floor and center pan section, along with a lower firewall panel? Or a different combo? Or patches? I’m not a sheet metal guy, so I’ll be looking for someone to help do this for me. Also… can this all be done with body on the frame? Thanks!

 

[1969]

https://tomsoffroad.com/parts/66-77-ford-bronco-lower-dash-center-panel

Looks like you need this piece

And yes you should probably replace the floor pans and transmission tunnel. It can be done with the vehicle assembled.

 

[904Bronco]

https://tomsoffroad.com/parts/66-77-ford-bronco-lower-dash-center-panel

Looks like you need this piece

And yes you should probably replace the floor pans and transmission tunnel. It can be done with the vehicle assembled.

Just an FYI, they have that piece bent up locally, it is close to being the same.

 

[guidoverduci]

Just an FYI, they have that piece bent up locally, it is close to being the same.

Thanks. I didn’t notice that piece at WH, I usually pick up stuff there to save on shipping. But grab that one from Tom’s.

 

[904Bronco]

My personal take is, without seeing it in person, that you need to cut out the old pieces leaving a lip to reattach the replacement panel to...
(The panel is from Tom's) Apply seam sealer top and bottom. Take pictures so if you decided to sell it some day, no one claim BS on you....
Examples...

The 3 spd shifter hole, patch it rather than replace the whole section, if that is all it needs.

 

[kman67]

My personal take is, without seeing it in person, that you need to cut out the old pieces leaving a lip to reattach the replacement panel to...
(The panel is from Tom's) Apply seam sealer top and bottom. Take pictures so if you decided to sell it some day, no one claim BS on you....
Examples...

The 3 spd shifter hole, patch it rather than replace the whole section, if that is all it needs.

Looks good Doug. Did you use a spot weld drill bit over the cross brace or air chisel? I’m going to be replacing some floor pans this winter and getting ideas.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[904Bronco]

Looks good Doug. Did you use a spot weld drill bit over the cross brace or air chisel? I’m going to be replacing some floor pans this winter and getting ideas.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Spot weld drill bit with replaceable cutters... Some prying, air chisel might be a tad aggressive.